Monika Petersen's journey to opening Gypsy Thrift Collective in Old Colorado City this past summer spans continents, cultures and a lifelong appreciation for craftsmanship. Born in Thailand, she grew up immersed in a vibrant world. Her Taiwanese mother embraced a farm-to-table lifestyle, raising Petersen with a holistic approach to food, health and everyday living. Meanwhile, her German father traveled extensively between Thailand and Europe for business, bringing stories, perspectives and traditions from across the world back home.
Rooted in Heritage
Petersen's father descended from a Romani family whose roots trace back to Romania, where his great-grandmother lived before migrating to Germany. When Petersen was a child, he affectionately called her his "little gypsy" and sometimes his "little mouse," nicknames that became treasured reminders of her history.
Today, Petersen proudly embraces her Romani heritage. She views the term "gypsy" positively, through the lens of her family's story. It’s a badge of honor tied to resilience, resourcefulness, travel, artistry and an appreciation for beautiful things made well.
A World of Craftsmanship
At 16, Petersen moved to Italy, where she immersed herself in Italian culture and developed an appreciation for exceptional fabrics and tailoring. She sought the same quality materials she grew up valuing, including Thai cotton and Italian linen, and became increasingly drawn to garments made to last.
For the past 13 years, Petersen has traveled the globe collecting carefully curated vintage pieces, including furs, leather trench coats, Afghan coats and Mongolian shearling pieces. She selected each item for its craftsmanship, quality and character. "Natural fibers were made to last,” Petersen says. “Vintage clothes have details, are tailored and are cut well. They were built differently.”
Creating a Vintage Sanctuary
After moving to Colorado, Petersen noticed a growing prevalence of lower-quality fabrics in retail stores. Inspired to offer an alternative, she opened Gypsy Thrift Collective in Old Colorado City.
The shop stocks vintage apparel, shoes, home decor, furniture and other artisan wares that reflect Peterson’s personal philosophy and global experiences. It also supports fellow entrepreneurs, including Diane Wallis of Oh La La Footwear (unique shoes sourced from Spain, Turkey and Italy) and Deyun Nguyen’s specialty crystals. Petersen describes her store as "a small sanctuary for people who want to live a simple and holistic life."
Fashion with Purpose
More recently, Petersen expanded into fashion design with the launch of her own clothing line, Malatee. Named after her mother, the collection honors her Thai heritage. The lotus flower, a sacred symbol in Thai culture, serves as the brand's emblem.
Malatee is produced in Thailand using local cotton and traditional techniques, with blue garments dyed in indigo and stone washed. The business has become a family effort, with Petersen's aunt serving as the master seamstress and her mother overseeing quality control. "I love my business so much because I know I'm creating jobs," Petersen says.
Looking to the Future
Petersen is currently building a larger production facility in Thailand to create employment opportunities for additional artisans, seamstresses and villagers. She says workers are paid approximately three times what similar positions often earn locally. She has also expanded locally with a booth at The Collective Boutiques independent shop owner marketplace.
Browsing the shelves at Gypsy Thrift Collective, it’s easy to see the evolution of Peterson’s vision. What began as a passion from her youth has become something much larger: a retail destination that preserves craftsmanship and shares the values that have shaped her life. "I essentially created a store for people to experience my childhood.”
Gypsy Thrift Collective
2422 W. Colorado Ave.
424.425.2298
gypsythriftcollective.com